Robert J. Demott Collection
This collection documents Robert J. Demott's World War II military service. The bulk of the collection consists of letters written by Demott throughout the war to his family, mostly to his sister Daisy. Also included are photographs which contain portraits of Demott and his family and friends as well as images of his fellow soldiers and camp life, particularly while in Okinawa and Guam. There is a scrapbook with newspaper clippings, training booklets, and other items kept by Demott during his service. There are ephemera items like Chinese and Japanese currency, church bulletins, and a concert program. Lastly, there are two publications: one by Demott containing genealogical history and information about the Demott family (1979) and a biography of Demott written by Nancy Wolfe entitled “Dressing the Wounds of War: Hospital Corpsman Robert J. Demott in the Pacific” (1986).
Dates
- 1940-1946, 1979-1986
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.5 Linear Feet (1 half box)
Overview
This collection documents Robert J. Demott's World War II military service. The bulk of the collection consists of letters written by Demott throughout the war to his family, mostly to his sister Daisy. Also included are photographs which contain portraits of Demott and his family and friends as well as images of his fellow soldiers and camp life, particularly while in Okinawa and Guam. There is a scrapbook with newspaper clippings, training booklets, and other items kept by Demott during his service. There are ephemera items like Chinese and Japanese currency, church bulletins, and a concert program. Lastly, there are two publications: one by Demott containing genealogical history and information about the Demott family (1979) and a biography of Demott written by Nancy Wolfe entitled “Dressing the Wounds of War: Hospital Corpsman Robert J. Demott in the Pacific” (1986).
Biographical / Historical
Robert "Bob" Joseph Demott was born on November 6, 1924, to Joseph Daniel Demott and Ruth May Demott in Blue Mound, Kansas. He received his draft papers and officially entered the U.S. Navy on June 18, 1943, where he was then assigned to the training station at Farragut, Idaho. Demott served in the 3rd Corps Medical Battalion in the Pacific Theater of War, specifically spending time in Guam and Okinawa. He later used the G.I. Bill to attend college, ultimately receiving his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 1954. Demott moved to Knoxville and in the late 1950s, joined the teaching faculty of the University of Tennessee. Demott was married to Ethel Irene Cox from 1947 to 1975, and together they had five children. In 1978, he wed Beatrice Kidwell. Demott died in 2015 and is buried in Linn County, Kansas.
Arrangement
This collection is in one box.
Previous Citation
This collection was previously listed as part of MS.1230 and MS.2112.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was donated through the University of Tennessee's Center for the Study of War and Society.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository